ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi has expressed his government’s commitment to improving the business environment and take measures to reduce food import costs in the Isles.
Speaking at the inauguration of a food storage warehouse in Gando, Wete District, North Pemba Region, owned by Yasser Provision Company, Dr Mwinyi said his administration would make efforts to alleviate the financial burden on traders importing food products to Zanzibar, ultimately aiming to lower prices for consumers.
“We aim to ease taxes for traders importing food products into Zanzibar to ensure reduced prices for the end consumers,” Dr Mwinyi said.
The president noted that the government is exploring strategies to address the root causes of rising food prices in Pemba, including the possibility of introducing special tax incentives for imported goods.
These measures aim to attract more traders and ensure the affordability of essential commodities for residents.
As part of broader economic reforms, Dr Mwinyi announced plans to develop critical infrastructure, such as the construction of ports in Shumba Urban and Wete.
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These projects, set to commence soon, are expected to significantly lower transportation costs by enabling traders to import goods directly into Pemba.
According to Dr Mwinyi, the plan to economically open Pemba is firmly focused on reducing the prices of essential goods and improving the standard of living for the people.
“The government is firmly focused on reducing the prices of essential goods and improving the standard of living for the people of Pemba,” he emphasised.
Dr Mwinyi also commended the Yasser Provision Company for constructing the new warehouse, which represents a 3.5bn/- investment.
He lauded the facility’s capacity to store various goods while maintaining quality, noting its contribution to food security and price stability.
“This warehouse will not only enhance food storage but also play a vital role in reducing costs for traders and consumers,” he said, pledging government support to ensure adequate food consignments are offloaded in North Pemba.
Dr Mwinyi urged greater private sector participation in the government’s plan to build additional food storage facilities, emphasising the importance of collaboration in securing Zanzibar’s food supply.
On his part, the warehouse owner, Mr Adil Yakoub Sadik, highlighted the benefits of the facility, including its capacity to create employment opportunities for the people of Pemba and its contribution to government revenue through taxes.
The opening of the warehouse was part of the celebrations marking the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.
